Rayelle Cooper, a 2021 graduate from David Thompson High School in Rocky Mountain House, is the recipient of this year’s Martha Kostuch Scholarship for Environmental Excellence. This September, Rayelle will attend Mount Royal University in Calgary to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science.  After graduating with her degree, Rayelle plans to pursue new and innovative monitoring technologies needed to develop strategies that will help improve the air quality in our communities.

As a teen and young adult, Rayelle has been very active in her community. One of her major achievements is over nine years of participation in the Alberta Junior Forest Wardens program. This program aligned well with her passion for environmental sustainability and has contributed significantly to her appreciation for our natural heritage.

“The award selection committee was extremely impressed by the combination of Rayelle’s demonstrated commitment to the environment through her historical performance in all the key areas: academic, work and volunteer, and her future academic goals and career aspirations” said Kevin Warren, PAMZ Executive Director.

The Martha Kostuch scholarship is awarded annually to a high school graduate living in the PAMZ region who wishes to further their education in an area that will benefit the environment.  The scholarship was established in 2008 to honour the legacy of Dr. Martha Kostuch, a founding Board member of PAMZ and lifelong environmental advocate.

For more information, contact Kevin Warren at [email protected] or Bailey Doepker at [email protected].